Does Having Less Stuff In Your Life Make You Happier?

Does Having Less Stuff In Your Life Make You Happier? – 038

In episode 38, we discuss how the first week of our decluttering challenge went and what we have been getting rid of. We share some stories and studies from the Rockstars of the Minimalism world who always have something cool to say about living life with less and how having less stuff really does make you happier. The state of your environment has a huge impact on your well being.

I’m diggin’ a book that John and I listened to on a recent road trip and Jenny’s diggin’ making bread. My win is related to improving a habit by hanging out with people who are better at that particular habit. Jenny’s learn is related trying to keep going with an exercise streak.

Tune in and Listen Below

What You’ll Hear (and don’t want to miss!)

: Jenny and I discuss how the first week of our decluttering challenge went and what we got rid of.

: We give some examples of what Jenny would call Rockstars in the world of Minimalism and then share some of their thoughts and stories on decluttering.

: Who Are You Anyway? What are the things you have that you could not part with / would struggle to part with? Are there things you want to part with but can’t because of guilt?

: What Are You Diggin’ Lately? I’m diggin’ a fun book that John and I listened to on a recent road trip and Jenny’s diggin’ making bread.

: You Win or You Learn: My win is about improving a habit by hanging out with people who already have it locked down and Jenny’s learn is related to using the strategy of pairing to adopt a new habit.

: We wrap it up for this week. Next week we will check in and see how our decluttering challenge is going and we’ll chat more about this month’s book which is Outer Order Inner Calm by our online pretend best friend Gretchen Rubin!

Key Quotes:

A recent article from the New York Times called “The Unbearable Heaviness of Clutter” states that of recent research on this topic, “The findings add to a growing body of evidence that clutter can negatively impact mental well-being, particularly among women. Clutter can also induce a physiological response, including increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.” This study talked about the role of procrastination in clutter, and basically, if you’re more of a procrastinator, you’re more likely to have loads of clutter.

Joshua found himself cleaning out his garage, while his wife was cleaning bathrooms inside, and his 5 year old son was playing in the backyard. His son was asking him to play, but Joshua was busy cleaning out the full garage. Joshua’s neighbour witnessed this scene and said “Maybe you don’t need to own all this stuff.” Josh says of this “The juxtaposition was striking. My possessions piled up in the driveway… my son in the backyard… my day slipping away… I immediately recognized something needed to change. My belongings were not adding value to my life. Instead, they were subtracting from it. We began donating, recycling, and removing our unnecessary personal possessions. We embarked on an intentional journey to own less stuff.”

Share your thoughts… We’d love to hear from you!

What was your biggest take away from this episode? Are you be playing the MinsGame with us this month? If so, please post pictures of what you are decluttering on the socials using #theimprovementproject and #minsgame.

Come and say ‘Hi’ on the socials using #theimprovementproject. I’m on Instagram and Twitter and Jenny is on Twitter.

We also have a Facebook group. Come over and ask to be added to the group to join in on the habits conversation!

And if you never want to miss a new episode, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter.

Show some love

Did you love this podcast? Leave an honest review over on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help spread the word, and we take the time to read each one.

The Improvement Project podcast is hosted by Dr. Peggy Malone and Jenny Couse. Peggy is a health care provider who encourages her patients every day to create better habits associated with their health and wellness. She is wife to the hilarious and heavily bearded John, with whom she takes many adventures. Dr. Peggy is also a human being on a mission to create better habits for herself and by doing so, she hopes to inspire others to take up the challenge with her! Jenny is a marketing professional in the international trade sector. She and her husband Jeff are parents to hilarious 5 year old Ethan. Her year of monthly habit resolutions in 2015 piqued her interests in how habits are created and best kept.

Join them weekly to explore how to create healthy habits that stick on the journey to becoming better humans!

#TheImprovementProject

Until next time,

Let’s get to work on improving your most important project. That’s YOU! Stay focused and get after it!